Chapter 11 Section 1 Britain Becomes More Democratic

Lesson Objectives Describe how reformers worked to change Parliament in the 1800s. Understand the values that Queen Victoria represented. Summarize how the Liberal and Conservative parties helped bring the new ear to British politics.

Reformers sought to change Parliament in the 1800’s 1815 Britain was constitutional monarchy Parliament; 2 political parties, dominated by wealthy landowners Far from democratic House of Commons elected by less than 5% of the people House of Lords Could veto any bill passed by Commons Held most of the power in Parliament

Reformers sought to change Parliament in the 1800’s Some changes 1820’s parliament allowed Catholics & nonAnglican (Church of England) Protestants political rights With industrial revolution many rural towns lost so many people, had few or no voters Land owners sent representatives to Parliament became known as rotten boroughs Large new industrial cities had no representatives

Reformers sought to change Parliament in the 1800’s Reform Act of 1832 Battle between Whigs & Tories Whigs – middle class w/ business interests Tories – nobles, landowners w/ agricultural interests Redistributed seats in House of Commons Gave representatives to large towns & cities Eliminated rotten boroughs Suffrage to more men but kept property requirement for voting Gave greater political voice to middle class men

Reformers sought to change Parliament in the 1800’s 1830’s protesters known as Chartists drew up People’s Charter Demanded: universal manhood suffrage, yearly parliamentary elections, salaries for members of Parliament Presented petitions to Parliament twice w/ million+ signatures but Parliament ignored the petitions

The Victorian Age From 1837-1901 (longest reign in British history) Queen Victoria was great symbol in British life Had little political power, but she set tone for the Victorian age with strict code of morals Victorian values: duty, thrift, honesty, hard work, but most of all RESPECTABILITY Britain expanded its huge empire India 300 million subjects around the world

Liberal & Conservative Parties helped bring a new era to British politics & extend right to vote to more people Benjamin Disraeli – Tories> Conservative Party William Gladstone – Whigs> Liberal Party

Liberal & Conservative Parties helped bring a new era to British politics & extend right to vote to more people 1868-1880 alternated control of Parliament Gave vote to farmers Pushed for reforms in Ireland By 1900 many Chartist goals were achieved including secret ballot Early 1900’s House of Lords had begun to be mainly ceremonial & had little power